AN AWESOME DAY IN WASHINGTON D.C.

The Smithsonian Palace.  There are now 16 different buildings that are part of the Smithsonian Institute.  This is the original.

The National Museum of Natural History

Getting ready to go inside

We spent a long day in Washington and were only able to see a small part.  We managed to get through the National Museum of Natural History, and saw some famous exibits.

THE HOPE DIAMOND

The Hope Diamond has recently been re-set in the above setting by Harry Winston for a short period of time while it's on display at the Smithsonian.  It will be returned to its original setting when its term at the Smithsonian is finished.

Gotta watch those travelling salesmen!

AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM

We also made it through the American History Museum and saw some great American icons.

JULIA CHILD'S ENTIRE KITCHEN

THE FAMOUS RUBY SLIPPERS FROM THE WIZARD OF OZ

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EDITH & ARCHIE BUNKER'S CHAIRS

We then walked down to the Washington Monument.  Near the monument is a gorgeous fountain dedicated to those who served in the Second World War.



Unfortunately, the Reflecting Pool has been dug up and is in the process of being re-constructed.  Very disappointing as we were really looking forward to seeing it.

What should be the Reflecting Pool with the Lincoln Memorial in the background.

We also managed to get part way through the Holocaust Memorial Museum.  It is a heart wrenching exibit of a horrible reality.  We are going to be heading back to DC tomorrow to do some more touring and will definitely go back to the Holocaust Museum to finish seeing it.